Back up lights

[NICK C]

I have a MKIV with the Ron Francis wire harness. I noticed it doesn't have a provision for back up lights. If anyone out there is using back up lights , what's the simplest way to do it as far as parts. Nick C

[buildit]

Lots of us have used the Mini Cooper backup light.......here's an example. Just need 12V using the transmission switch.

http://www.minicarparts.net/Parts/63_22_1_477_678.cfm

[NICK C]

Sounds simple enough. Thanks Buildit. Merry Christmas!

[AC Bill]

Yes, it's pretty simple to wire up B/U lights, and the stock Ford T5 switch can handle the amperage without a relay.

I bought a pair of Beehive style lights, and attached the to some custom made brackets below the rear body. Never have had to use them for backing up at night, but I liked the idea that other drivers may notice me better, when I'm backing out of a parking stall.

[NICK C]

I don't think I've ever really had enough light in many of my vehicles with back ups to make a difference in visibility, but I like it when other cars have them so I know what their doing. Thanks Bill

[Kevin Davis]

Yes, it's pretty simple to wire up B/U lights, and the stock Ford T5 switch can handle the amperage without a relay.

I bought a pair of Beehive style lights, and attached the to some custom made brackets below the rear body. Never have had to use them for backing up at night, but I liked the idea that other drivers may notice me better, when I'm backing out of a parking stall.

I did this same thing, using some small halogens from walmart, hidden under the body, mounted between the body and the gas tank cover. It doesn't provide a bunch of light directly from the back, but does give a lot at ground level, and it's hidden. We have such long summer days it's almost never that I drive at night anyway, but this was a decent way to get some lights back there. I used the T5 transmission switch and also added my own manual switch if I need it.

[NICK C]

Thanks Kevin. Did you use a relay or just the trans switch?

[Kevin Davis]

Thanks Kevin. Did you use a relay or just the trans switch? I'm trying to remember, but I think I did actually throw a relay in there, just because I have 2 points of entry, the manual switch and the trans switch. If you just did the trans switch, it's probably not pulling enough amps to add the relay, I would think.

[skullandbones]

Does anyone have a pic of the transmission switch location. I am assuming you can use the stock transmission harness. Is that correct? I am using it with the kit harness for the things I activate. Thank you in advance! WEK.

[Kevin Davis]

This wasn't my pic, but here's one labeled.
7015

I actually can't remember which side is which on the wiring, or if it matters, but I cut the ford connector off, and wired directly to it.

[skullandbones]

I appreciate that Kevin. That will save some time, just have to ping the right circuit on the harness.

Thank you very much! WEK.

[AC Bill]

Stock tranny harness, and connector is better if you still have it. The tranny connector is more convenient, than using eye connectors and nuts. You still want to fuse the circuit, in line, or using a spare slot in the RF fuse box. You should use a "switched" power source. You could use an unswitched source, but if you park it, and it's left in reverse, the lights will stay on.
Most lights you can just ground directly to the frame, near their mounting point, rather than running a second ground wire to a common ground, forward in the car. Some lights the mount itself needs to be grounded,as they are a single wire light. You can daisy chain the lights (if using two).

[buildit]

Stock tranny harness, and connector is better if you still have it. The tranny connector is more convenient, than using eye connectors and nuts. You still want to fuse the circuit, in line, or using a spare slot in the RF fuse box. You should use a "switched" power source. You could use an unswitched source, but if you park it, and it's left in reverse, the lights will stay on.
Most lights you can just ground directly to the frame, near their mounting point, rather than running a second ground wire to a common ground, forward in the car. Some lights the mount itself needs to be grounded,as they are a single wire light. You can daisy chain the lights (if using two).

Actually, I don't think the posts on the switch on the transmission are threaded are they? I think they're just "ribbed". Many of us have used 2 terminals of a 4 terminal female "trailer" connector. And just pushed them on. Worked great for me!

Good luck!